KATHMANDU: Nepal’s mountaineering and expedition companies have come together to support victims of the Bhotekoshi disaster in Rasuwa, pooling over Rs 4 million for relief efforts.

The Expedition Operators Association Nepal (EOAN) contributed Rs11,11,111 following an executive committee decision, while several member companies voluntarily joined the initiative.

The contributions were handed over to Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Khadak Raj Paudel for deposit into the government’s disaster relief fund, EOAN said.

EOAN President Damber Parajuli said the donation was intended to support families affected by the disaster and reflected the responsibility of Nepal’s mountain tourism community. “Standing with grieving families is not only our social and humanitarian duty but also a national responsibility,” he said.

He said the association and its members would continue to support the government in responding to national disasters and humanitarian emergencies.

The contributors include Rs 10 lakh from Tag Nepal Pvt Ltd; Rs 5 lakh each from Satori Adventures Pvt Ltd and Shangri-La Nepal Treks Pvt Ltd; Rs 4,44,444 from Iceland Treks and Expedition; and Rs 55,555 from Expedition Himalaya.com.

Similarly, Himalayan Guides Nepal contributed Rs 1,01,000 and Snowy Horizon Treks contributed Rs 1,11,111. Another EOAN member agency, 8K Expeditions, has already provided Rs 2,22,222 to the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.

Mingma Gelu Sherpa, Managing Director at Seven Summit Adventure, distributed 500 pieces of rain jackets in the flood-hit area and also contributed NPR 511,111 to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund.

EOAN General Secretary Rishi Bhandari described the support as an expression of solidarity from Nepal’s mountain tourism industry. He noted the disaster in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli river areas caused significant loss of life and property, and expressed condolences to victims and solidarity with displaced communities.

The association praised the government’s ongoing search, rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts, pledging continued cooperation during future national disasters and humanitarian crises.